Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Bus Operator Assaulted-Arrest Made

On March 20, 2013 at approximately 1:03 pm Transit Police officers from Area 3 received a radio call to respond to the area of 51 Geneva Avenue for a report of an MBTA bus operator being assaulted. Upon arrival officers interviewed the operator/victim who stated he was spat upon by a male, later identified as KiDante Roberts, 18 of Dorchester. Victim further stated while operating a Route 19 bus he had stopped in the area of 51 Geneva Avenue to let passengers off. Roberts was attempting to exit via the rear door, however the victim informed Roberts the rear door could not be opened due to the excessively high snowbanks. Roberts began to yell obscenities at the victim/operator. At this time there were approximately 25 passengers on board the bus that were forced to endure Roberts tirade. Eventually Roberts proceeded to the front of the bus, however prior exiting through the front door Roberts spit in the operator's face causing him to remove his foot from the brake causing the bus to roll forward. Two Boston Police officers working nearby were alerted by the victim and detained Roberts until Transit Police responded and placed him into custody. Roberts was transported to Transit Police HQ for the arrest booking process. During this time Roberts was found to be in possession of marijuana. Roberts is expected to be arraigned tomorrow in Dorchester District Court for Assault & Battery on a Public Employee and Interfering with Public Transportation. Additionally, Roberts was issued a 100.00 dollar citation for possessing marijuana, less then an ounce.